MVP bans Shields after Baumgardner altercation

Breaking news from the world of sport: MVP bans Shields after Baumgardner altercationImage source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Claressa Shields (left) and Alycia Baumgardner (right) fought on the same card in London in 2022ByBobbie JacksonBBC Sport journalistPublished13 minutes agoMost Valuable Promotions (MVP) has banned Claressa Shields from all future events following a physical altercation with Alycia Baumgardner on Saturday. Both boxers attended MVP's first mixed martial arts event as Ronda Rousey beat Gina Carano in just 15 seconds in California. A video circulating on social media shows the pair arguing before Shields appears to reach out and hit Baumgardner.

Five-weight world champion Shields, who has been undisputed in three weight classes, later claimed on social media that Baumgardner had physically threatened her. MVP said it is aware of the incident and that it holds a "strict zero-tolerance policy for hostile, threatening, or aggressive behavior". "Physical altercations outside the ring or cage are unacceptable in any MVP environment," MVP said.

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"MVP does not condone, tolerate, or accept Claressa Shields' behavior in that setting and it reflects poorly on MVP and women's sports, which we have worked tirelessly to uplift. "Effective immediately, Claressa Shields is banned from all MVP events until further notice. "Unified super-featherweight champion Baumgardner, 31, claimed the incident was "unprovoked".

"I was physically assaulted without provocation," Baumgardner said. "This behaviour reflects a repeated pattern of hostility, chaos, and attention-seeking conduct that continues to embarrass women's sports. "This situation has been and will continue to be handled legally and professionally.

"Shields last fought in February when she beat Franchon Crews-Dezurn to retain her undisputed heavyweight status and extend her undefeated record to 18. She faced off with Lauren Price in April after the Welshwoman retained her WBC, WBA, IBF welterweight titles, with Boxxer promoter Ben Shalom suggesting the pair could fight later in 2026. But Shields' prospects away from Price could look bleak with MVP holding a big stake in women's boxing.

MVP has signed many of the top female boxers over the past few years, including Baumgardner and three-weight world champion Mikaela Mayer. The two-time Olympic gold medallist told Sport in February that she would welcome a bout with fellow American Mayer, but this ban could impact Shields' chances of striking a deal with MVP.

The story has climbed to the top of the sports agenda, with fans and analysts following closely.